On June 1-4, 2021, a 4-day training entitled The Basic Research Methods Training was conducted via Zoom attended and conducted by the member institutions of Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium. It aims to provide basic knowledge and skills in health research methodologies to researchers. Furthermore, it aims to generate more research project proposals aligned with the 2017-2022 Regional Unified Health Research Agenda (RUHRA).

On its first day, the training kicked off with a prayer and the singing of the National Anthem lead by Ms. April Rose Amor, an EVHRDC staff. Then everyone was welcomed with the opening speech from the OIC Regional Director of DOH-EV CHD, Dr. Exuperia B. Sabalberino. After which, Dr. Virgilio Sabalo, the EVHRDC CBC Chair explained the need for this training while Mr. Raymond Campo, an EVHRDC Staff, presented the DOST 6Ps and the updated 2017-2022 RUHRA. The training then commenced with the sequence: Engr. Michael Manguerra from De La Salle University talked about the opportunities and challenges of Biomedical Engineering, Mr. Leonido Olobia presented the sub-module entitled “Overview of the Reasearch Process” which tackled about the characteristics of the research process, and Dr. Willard N. Riveral from Biliran Province State University presented the sub-module entitled “Defining the Research Problem” after lunch break. At 2:30 in the afternoon, the Question and Answer session took place before Workshop 1 and day 1 of the training ended by 5pm.

The second day of the 4-day training started with a prayer and housekeeping rules setting by Ms. Amor. And so, sub-module 3 entitled “Establishing the Theoretical and Empirical Basis of the Research” was presented by Sr. John Mary Formillos an RMC/TRB member. She presented an overview of the two-step process which aims to establish both the theoretical and empirical basis for the objectives formulated and the variables investigated. Then Dr. Fidelita Dico of DOH-EVCHD discussed the sub-module 4 bearing the title “Epidemiologic and Experimental Studies”. After lunch, RUC Chair Dr. Sherrie Ann Labid shared about the different “Sampling Designs” which is sub-module 5. She presented the applications of sampling in health research. A large part of the module was spent in describing the steps in implementing the different probability sampling designs. At 2:30 again in the afternoon, another Question and Answer session was conducted and another workshop as well.

And on the third day, it started exactly the same as the previous ones. Then it progressed on to Mr. Leonid Arado of PIT presenting the sub-module on “Sample Size Determination” which was about myths and misinformation. He presented the actual factors to be considered when computing for the sample size of surveys where subjects were selected using a probability sampling design. The next topic, “Qualitative Research” was discussed by Prof. Esther Bañar of Eastern Samar State University. And to top off the day, Prof. Ferdinand Abocejo comprehensively discussed about “Data Collection” and later on, “Data Analysis”. 

And finally, the fourth and final day of the training was opened with a prayer and a setting of expectation. As the event progressed brilliantly, Dr. Sarah Delorino, Co-Chair of EVHRDC ERC shared about the sub-module 10 which was “Ethics on Health Research. Then Dr. Lucia Dauz tackled sub-module 11 entitled “Administrative Aspects of Research”. She talked about the steps and activities involved in addressing both administrative aspects of the research process. And finally, for the last sub-module “Writing the Research Proposal”, we had Ms. Josephine Hipe, Chair of EVRHDC SOME to discuss said topic. Q and A with a workshop followed the discussions.

After the training ended, Ms. Anicia P. Catameo, the OIC of Institution Development from PCHRD delivered a message purposely to inspire and further motivate researchers to do better in the future. Then Ms. Jean Gay O. Ragub, EVHRDC Coordinator awarded certificates to the magnificent resource speakers. And finally, DOST 8 Regional Director and the EVHRDC Execom Co-Chair, Engr. Ernesto M. Granada, delivered a closing message which acknowledged the efforts of the trainers and the enthusiasm of the participants.

The DOST - RHRDC XI is now calling applicants for its 4^th Mentorship Program. This program aims to empower local researchers, encourage them to submit research proposal and pursue studies for human welfare.

The program is composed of three (3) modules, each of which composes of 3-day sessions involving a series of intensive online lectures, one-on-one mentoring, and oral presentation. Ten (10) scholars will be selected with a chance that their proposal will be funded.

NOMINATION PROCEDURES

1. Who can apply

Researchers, Faculty Members, and Medical Doctors affiliated to the consortium’s member-institutions.

2. How to apply

Applicants must submit the following:

• Application letter addressed to the Chair of RHRDC XI, Dr. Warlito C. Vicente
• Endorsement/nomination letter from the head of the institution (free format)
• Curriculum vitae (max of 4 pages, free format)
• A 150-word essay on the reason/s for the application and future plans (free format)
• A capsule proposal that should describe a health problem the applicant would like to address (download here). The chosen topic must be in line with the consortium’s priority areas (download here)
• Full guideline of the program can be downloaded here.

The above documents must be submitted online at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with subject: Mentorship Application. Deadline of submission is on July 5, 2021.

For inquiries, you may contact +639420180751 and look for Ms. Richell Ruyeras or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SCHOLARSHIP GRANT

• Three modules with 3 days each training (1 day lecture; 1 ½ day writeshop; ½ day oral presentation)
• One-on-one mentorship with the scholar’s chosen mentor or identified expert in the field
• Possible research funding support up to P1,000,000.00.

TIMETABLE OF ACTIVITIES

The Commission on Higher Education – Regional Office 1 (CHED-RO1) and CHED Office of Planning, Research and Knowledge Management (OPRKM) conducted an Online Orientation-Seminar on the Establishment and Accreditation of Research Ethics Committee (REC) and Institutional Animal Care and Use (IACUC) on May 25, 2021, with the aim of capacitating HEIs and researchers to overcome difficulties in establishing and subjecting their RECs and IACUCs for accreditation.

In a recent survey done by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office 1 and Regional Ethics Monitoring Board-1 (REMB-1) chaired by Dr. Mayrose L. Quezon, there were only seven (7) higher education institutions with established institutional Research Ethics Committees (RECs) out of thirty-six (36) higher education institutions (HEIs) offering graduate and health program. Two (2) of which are accredited by the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB). Meanwhile, only three (3) out of eleven (11) HEIs conducting animal studies have Laboratory Animal Facilities that are registered with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

Speakers were Dr. Marita V. Tolentino-Reyes, Ethics Trainer of PHREB and Dr. Marlon G. Mendez, Veterinarian II of the Department of Agriculture- Regional Field Office I. Chairpersons of REC and IACUC of HEIs that are accredited by PHREB and BAI also shared insights and experiences for the participants to benchmark on.

A total of 141 participants attended from public and private HEIs offering graduate and health programs, composed of head of institutions, members of REC and IACUC, and from government agencies conducting research.

Expected output of the orientation-seminar is the submission of an application for REC and IACUC accreditation.

The EVHRDC Awards is presented to researchers in Region 8 to recognize significant contributions to knowledge related to health. The awards will have two (2) categories: the Distinguished Health Researcher Award and the EVHRDC Outstanding Novice Researcher Award.  Up to three awards may be given annually under the two award categories. The selection committee may not confer any of the awards once no one meets the qualifications.

Eligibility for Distinguished Health Researcher Award

The Distinguished Health Researcher Award is open to all Filipino Citizen researchers of Region 8-Eastern Visayas (whether individual or group/institutional categories) of the affiliated members of the Eastern Visayas Health Research Development Consortium (EVHRDC) and other interested colleges, universities, and agencies not affiliated with EVHRDC. The award shall have no age restrictions and can be granted posthumously.

Eligibility for EVHRDC Outstanding Novice Researcher Award

This aims to encourage young researchers to undertake work in all fields of health research. The award will be granted to researchers within Eastern Visayas region that are employed by the member institutions of the consortium. This award shall be conferred to young researchers not exceeding the age of 40 at the time of nomination.

Selection Criteria

The Distinguished Health Researcher Award may be conferred to an individual or a group while the EVHRDC Outstanding Novice Researcher Award is conferred to individuals who have made a significant contribution to health. This contribution could be a long-term, cumulative contribution or a single, particularly insightful idea, experiment, application, or interpretation.

The selection committee shall consider the following criteria in selecting the recipient:

1. Demonstrated excellence in research, scholarly, and/or artistic work;
2. Recognition by professional societies, community organizations, or other external bodies;
3. Contributions to the research environment both locally, nationally, and internationally. This can include the development of major research installations (e.g. a research centre), participation in the deliberations of a major research granting agency (e.g. member and/or chair of a grant selection committee), or other prestigious forms of service to the field;
4. Contributions to the training and education of highly qualified personnel (e.g., undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and technical staff);
5. The selection committee reserves the right to make fewer than three awards or none at all in any year if there are no suitable candidates;
6. The institution of the individual or group researcher/s shall also be recognized;
7. The selection committee shall determine the award category of a candidate/nominee. Distinguished Health Researcher nominee should have a minimum of five (5) completed health researches conducted, and the EVHRDC Outstanding Novice Researcher nominee should have one or a maximum of four (4) researche/s.

The Distinguished Health Researcher Awardees and EVHRDC Outstanding Novice Researcher Awardees shall be chosen by the Board of Judges. Decisions of the Board of Judges shall be final and unappealable. The Board of Judges has the right not to declare any winner. The Board of Judges shall formulate their own guidelines of judging based on the suggested criteria:

Nomination Procedures

1.Candidates may be nominated by a colleague, any individual, any agency, or self-nomination may be allowed. The nominator should be of someone in higher stature than the nominee. It could be someone the nominee had worked with, i.e., mentor, consultant, or workmate.

2. The nomination package must include:

2.1. A letter from the nominator summarizing the candidate’s research achievements and outlining the national or international significance of the candidate’s scholarly work. (The nomination letter should not exceed 300 words);

2.2.  Current curriculum vitae of the candidate;

2.3.  Three letters of support from scholars in the candidate’s main or cognate fields, commenting on the impact of the candidates’ work regionally, nationally, and internationally. At least two of these letters must be from scholars outside the workplace.

Submit your nominations here: https://forms.gle/kSdg8UtBZJX1m9D66

==>EVHRDC Awards Nomination Form

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF NOMINATIONS: JUNE 25, 2021